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- Resources
- State Library Publications, including statistics and maps of systems
- Alki, journal of Washington Library Association
- Naming schemes
- Seattle: X Branch Library (e.g. Capitol Hill Branch Library)
- Timberland: X Timberland Library (e.g. Olympia Timberland Library)
Seattle Public Library branches
edit- General branch resources
- 1998: Libraries for All bond approved, allowing for new and renovated branches
- HistoryLink articles (Ballard example)
- NRHP listings: Columbia, Fremont, Green Lake, Magnolia (non-Carnegie), Queen Anne, University; Ballard Carnegie
- Seattle landmarks: Ballard Carnegie, Douglass–Truth, Fremont, Green Lake, Lake City, Magnolia, Northeast, Queen Anne, University, West Seattle
- Article name options:
- Ballard Branch (LA-style; used by SPL); Ballard Library (Portland-style; used by news media); Ballard Branch Library; Ballard Branch, Seattle Public Library (HistoryLink-style)
- Branches and notes
- Ballard: built in 2004–05, renovated in 2016
- Older branches: Ballard Carnegie Library (NRHP; 1907–1963); 24th & 57th branch (1963–2005)
- Beacon Hill: built in 2004, designed by Carlson Architects
- Older branches: Beacon & McClellan (1945–1962); 15th & Beacon (1962–2004; expanded 1975)
- Architectural critique by The Stranger
- Broadview: built in 1975, renovated in 2007
- Older branches: KCLS (1944–1955); Oakview (1955–1975)
- Capitol Hill: built in 2003
- Older branches: Deposit station (1913–1933); deposit station (1944–1954); Susan J. Henry Branch (1954–2003; designed by NBBJ)
- Central: built in 2004, designed by Rem Koolhaas
- Older branches at same site: Carnegie (1906–1960); International-style (1960–2002)
- Columbia (NRHP): built in 1915, renovated in 1986 and 2004
- Delridge: built in 2002
- Douglass–Truth: built in 1914, renovated in 2006; formerly Henry L. Yesler Memorial Library, renamed in 1975
- Fremont (NRHP): built in 1921, renovated in 2005
- Green Lake (NRHP, landmark): built in 1910,[1] renovated several times (?, 1969, 2003); land purchase funded by residents
- Notes
- ^ "Hole in Ground as Library Site". The Seattle Times. July 15, 1909. p. 7.
- Based on Hennepin County
The Seattle Public Library system has 27 locations that serve the city of Seattle, Washington, United States. It had 293,000 active patrons and an estimated 2.92 million visits to its locations in 2023.[1][2] The library's collection of over 3.1 million items had a total circulation of 13.2 million in 2023; a total of 13.4 million digital checkouts were made—the eighth-highest among global systems on the platform OverDrive.[2][3] The Seattle Public Library has the second-largest collection and circulation among libraries in the state of Washington, behind the King County Library System,[2] and is among the largest public library systems in the United States.[4]
The system's main branch and headquarters is the Central Library in Downtown Seattle, which holds approximately 1 million materials and serves 1,500 to 2,000 patrons per day.[3] The neighborhood branches include ten historic landmark libraries, eleven conventional libraries without historic protections, and five small libraries that are primarily integrated into other buildings or facilities.[5] The 27 libraries comprise a total of 611,458 square feet (56,806.3 m2)[2] and all feature meeting rooms, organized events, computer labs, Wi-Fi access, printers, fax machines, microfilm readers, and other services.[3][6] The Seattle Public Library has an annual operating budget of $93.9 million, primarily derived from the city government's general fund and a voter-approved levy, and 675 employees.[1][7]
The Seattle city government established a municipal library department in 1890 and opened its first branch the following year in Pioneer Square. It was preceded by earlier community organizations.[8]
- Architecture: modern branches include sustainable features
- Carnegie libraries: built on land acquired through local fundraising[9]
Current branches
edit- Key and symbols for Carnegie libraries?
Name | Neighborhood | Image | Opened | Physical collection[2] |
Floor space[2] | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
sq ft | sq m | ||||||
Ballard | Ballard |
May 14, 2005[10] | 55,869 | 15,000 | 1,394 | ||
Beacon Hill | Beacon Hill | 36,509 | 10,400 | 966 | |||
Broadview | Broadview | 43,541 | 15,000 | 1,394 | |||
Capitol Hill | Capitol Hill | 36,928 | 11,215 | 1,042 | |||
Central Library | Downtown Seattle | 997,868 | 362,987 | 33,723 | |||
Columbia | Columbia City | 32,396 | 12,420 | 1,154 | Renovated in 2004[2] | ||
Delridge | Delridge | 15,353 | 5,600 | 520 | |||
Douglass–Truth | Central District | September 15, 1914 | 49,311 | 16,493 | 1,532 | Originally named the Henry Yesler Branch; renamed in 1975;[citation needed] renovated in 2006[2] | |
Fremont | Fremont | 17,817 | 6,840 | 635 | Renovated in 2005[2] | ||
Green Lake | Green Lake | 12,252 | 8,090 | 752 | Renovated in 2004[2] and 2024 | ||
Greenwood | Greenwood | 55,311 | 15,000 | 1,394 | |||
High Point | West Seattle | 21,887 | 7,200 | 669 | |||
International District/Chinatown | Chinatown–International District | 11,423 | 3,930 | 365 | |||
Lake City | Lake City | 52,047 | 14,290 | 1,328 | Renovated in 2018[2] | ||
Madrona–Sally Goldmark | Madrona | 8,485 | 1,707 | 159 | Renamed in 1986; renovated in 2008[2] | ||
Magnolia | Magnolia | 28,040 | 7,799 | 725 | Renovated in 2008[2] | ||
Montlake | Montlake | 16,659 | 5,652 | 525 | |||
NewHolly | NewHolly | 10,020 | 4,285 | 398 | |||
Northeast | Ravenna | 61,913 | 15,000 | 1,394 | Renovated in 2004[2] | ||
Northgate | Northgate | 36,876 | 10,000 | 929 | |||
Queen Anne | Queen Anne | 24,728 | 7,931 | 737 | Renovated in 2007[2] | ||
Rainier Beach | Rainier Beach | 33,172 | 15,000 | 1,394 | Renovated in 2015[2] | ||
South Park | South Park | 15,334 | 5,019 | 466 | |||
Southwest | Westwood | 49,479 | 15,000 | 1,394 | |||
University | University District | 27,424 | 8,140 | 756 | Renovated in 2007[2] | ||
Wallingford | Wallingford | 8,270 | 2,000 | 186 | |||
West Seattle | West Seattle | 34,477 | 9,460 | 879 | Renovated in 2004[2] |
Former branches
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "2023 Statistical & Financial Summaries". Seattle Public Library. September 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "2023 Washington Public Library Statistical Report" (PDF). Washington State Library. October 2024. pp. 46, 54–58, 86, 103–104, 123–124.
- ^ a b c Schlosser, Kurt (May 29, 2024). "Checkout with the tech out: Amid cyberattack, here's a read on life at the library in Seattle". GeekWire.
- ^ "Library Statistics and Figures: The Nation's Largest Public Libraries". American Library Association.
- ^ "2024–2029 Adopted Capital Improvement Program" (PDF). City of Seattle. June 2024. p. 143.
- ^ "An update about access to Library technology systems". Shelf Talk Blog. Seattle Public Library. May 28, 2024.
- ^ Beekman, Daniel (February 16, 2023). "Seattle will expand library hours this spring. Here's why it's taken a while". The Seattle Times.
- ^ "A detailed history of The Seattle Public Library". Seattle Public Library.
- ^ https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/renovations-will-bolster-andrew-carnegies-elegant-green-lake-library/
- ^ Vinh, Tan (May 15, 2005). "Ballard celebrates its new library". The Seattle Times.
Columbia Branch Library | |
---|---|
Alternative names | Columbia City Library |
General information | |
Type | Library |
Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
Location | Columbia City, Seattle, Washington |
Address | 4721 Rainier Avenue S. |
Opened | December 30, 1915 |
Renovated | 1986, 2003–04 |
Cost | $35,000 |
Renovation cost | $3 million (2004) |
Affiliation | Seattle Public Library |
Technical details | |
Floor area | 12,420 square feet (1,154 m2)[1] |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | W. Marbury Somervell, Harlan Thomas |
Renovating team | |
Architect(s) | Cardwell Architects |
Website | |
Seattle Public Library | |
Seattle Public Library, Columbia Branch | |
Location | Seattle, Washington |
Built | 1915 |
Architect | W. Marbury Somervell, Harlan Thomas |
Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 82004909[2] |
Added to NRHP | August 3, 1982 |
The Columbia Branch Library is a branch of the Seattle Public Library in Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, US. The branch was built in 1915 using funds donated by Andrew Carnegie, replacing a small room at the Columbia City Hall. The Columbia Branch Library was renovated in 1986 and rebuilt extensively in 2004.
History
editColumbia City was annexed by the City of Seattle in 1907 and converted its former city hall into a variety of uses, including a library. The city hall was renovated and opened as the Columbia Branch Library on June 5, 1909, with 1,200 books and a reading room in the former council chamber.[3][4] The opening of the library spurred residents of the Rainier Valley, along with the Rainier Valley Commercial Club, to seek a donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for a permanent library.[3][5] Carnegie pledged a $70,000 donation to the Seattle Public Library in January 1911, to fund the construction of the Columbia City and Queen Anne branches.[6] A site in Columbia Park was chosen for the library and purchased by the city for $4,500, including $2,500 in funds raised by residents.[3] The new Columbia Library opened on December 30, 1915, and was dedicated by Mayor Hiram C. Gill.[7] The library featured 6,000 books, a 200-seat auditorium, and a story-hour room.[3][8]
- Renovations
- 1931: Facelift?
- 1978: Library Board considers Columbia Branch remodel as part of "regional" branch concept, with expanded collections to complement Main branch[9]
- 1986-05-31: Branch re-opens after renovation, increasing seating and shelving space
- Funded by 1984 bond for Carnegie libraries
- 2003-08: Branch closes for renovations
- 2004-08-22: $3.2 million expansion completed, with expansion in back[10]
- Funded by 1998 bond, designed by Cardwell
- Resources
Design and architecture
editThe Columbia Branch Library is housed in a one-story building at the eastern edge of Columbia Park along Rainier Avenue. Designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Harlan Thomas in the Georgian Revival style, the building's exterior is clad in brick and terra cotta trimmings.[11]
- Location: Columbia Park, near light rail
- Public art: "Spirit of Washington" (Marvin Oliver, 1992)
- Designated NRHP and part of city's Columbia City Landmark District
- Resources
Collection and services
edit- Capacity (as of 2004): 40,200 books and materials
- 24 computers
References
edit- ^ "Building Facts: Columbia Branch". Seattle Public Library.
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c d Wilma, David (December 17, 2002). "Columbia Branch, The Seattle Public Library". HistoryLink.
- ^ "Columbia Branch Library Now Ready". The Seattle Times. June 6, 1909. p. 15.
- ^ "Columbia Looks to Carnegie". The Seattle Times. June 21, 1909. p. 7.
- ^ "Library System To Get New Branches". The Seattle Times. April 21, 1912. p. 32.
- ^ "Columbia Branch Library Opened". The Seattle Times. December 31, 1915. p. 8.
- ^ "Branch Library is Opened at Columbia". The Seattle Times. December 30, 1915. p. 12.
- ^ Mahoney, Sally Gene (April 30, 1978). "Fountain of youth?". The Seattle Times. p. M1.
- ^ Solomon, Cara (August 23, 2004). "Warm hello for a 'new' neighbor: Columbia City library reopens". The Seattle Times. p. B1.
- ^ "Summary for 4721 Rainier Avenue". Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.
Ballard Branch Library | |
---|---|
General information | |
Type | Library |
Location | Ballard, Seattle, Washington |
Address | 5614 22nd Avenue Northwest |
Construction started | February 2004 |
Opened | May 14, 2005 |
Cost | $10.9 million |
Affiliation | Seattle Public Library |
Technical details | |
Floor area | 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2)[1] |
Website | |
Seattle Public Library |
The Ballard Branch Library is a branch of the Seattle Public Library in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The current building, located adjacent to Ballard Commons Park, opened in May 2005. It replaced an earlier library located two blocks away that was built in 1963 to replace the Ballard Carnegie Library (built in 1904). The building was designed with environmentally-friendly features, including an extensive green roof and several skylights.
Older buildings
editThe City of Ballard was annexed by Seattle on May 29, 1907,[2] and the Seattle Public Library system inherited Ballard's three-year-old library, built with funds donated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie.[3] Seattle formally took possession of the library and its 4,000 books on May 31, 1907,[4] and re-opened it on July 11.[5] The Carnegie library became too small to serve Ballard's growing population, with calls to replace the building coming as early as 1910.[6] A $5 million bond measure was approved by voters in 1956 to finance the replacement of the Central Branch, with leftover funds going to Ballard's replacement branch.[7]
Using a portion of the $500,000 in surplus funds from the bond, the Seattle Public Library Board recommended in May 1961 that a new Ballard branch near the Market Street commercial district be constructed within the next year.[8] In September 1961, the Library Board purchased a site on 24th Avenue Northwest between Northwest 57th and 58th streets to house the 7,000-square-foot (650 m2) library, designed by the firm Mandeville and Berge.[9]
- 1963 NRHP-eligible, replaced with apartment building in 2014
Current building
edit- 2004 circulation: Highest among all branches (no Central Branch)
- Features: Green roof, skylights, anemometers, sea jellies over children's area[10]
- Underground parking
- Community center
References
edit- ^ "Building Facts: Ballard Branch". Seattle Public Library. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ "Seattle Offices Take Charge At Ballard". The Seattle Times. May 29, 1907. p. 8.
- ^ Chaney, Nancy (April 3, 2011). "Next chapter for a landmark library building in Ballard". The Seattle Times. p. E1.
- ^ "Takes Possession of the Ballard Library". The Seattle Times. May 31, 1907. p. 7.
- ^ "Library Is Opened". The Seattle Times. July 11, 1907. p. 7.
- ^ Fish, Byron (November 23, 1962). "Days Numbered for Ballard Library, 'Outgrown' in 1910". The Seattle Times. p. 31.
- ^ Caldbick, John (April 2, 2015). "Ballard Branch Library No. 2, The Seattle Public Library". HistoryLink.
- ^ "Ballard Library May Be Moved". The Seattle Times. May 9, 1961. p. 14.
- ^ "Ballard Library Site Purchased". The Seattle Times. September 20, 1961. p. 53.
- ^ http://www.historylink.org/File/7320
Renton Public Library | |
---|---|
Location | Renton, Washington |
Type | Public library |
Established | 1903 |
Dissolved | 2010 |
Branches | 2 |
Access and use | |
Population served | 92,218 (2010) |
The Renton Public Library was a public library system that served Renton, Washington from 1903 to 2010. Its two branches were absorbed by the King County Library System.
History
edit- 1903: Miner's library opens
- 1914-03: Carnegie library opens using $10,000 grant[1]
- 1980s: Resistance to merger, no inter-library loans or reciprocal borrowing agreement with King County[2]
- 1989: Fairwood annexation proposed, including existing library (part of King County system)
- 1996: KCLS and Renton sign reciprocal agreement
- Merger
- Major cuts in 1979 and 2009[5]
- 2008 Master Plan recommends independent system with borrowing agreement
- February 9, 2010 Special Election: Proposition 1[6]
- "Save Renton Library" attempts to overturn elections results[9]
Branches
editDowntown Library
edit- Opened on April 17, 1966 at a cost of $327,570 and housing 50,000 books (out of total capacity of 100,000; 22,400 sq ft)[10][11]
- Designed by Felix M. Campanella of Johnson-Campanella
- Replaced Carnegie Library built in 1914 (razed in 1968)
- Sited over Cedar River, using 12 columns as support and spanning 80 feet
- Renovation
- $20 million approved by city council for two new libraries (Highlands and Downtown)
- Replacement proposed in 2012 at Piazza (near transit center, at 3rd & Logan) and at Renton Landing shopping center
- August 2012 vote: 76 percent vote in favor of river site
- 2013 dispute over front door and historical nature[12][13]
Highlands Library
edit- Original branch opened in 1944, joins Renton in 1947
- New branch opens in 1973
- Current branch opens in 2016[17]
Collections
editReferences
edit- ^ "Renton to dedicate new Carnegie library". The Seattle Times. March 10, 1914. p. 7.
- ^ Ervin, Keith (March 7, 1990). "Turf wars spread to libraries: cities reconsidering links to county system". The Seattle Times. p. F1.
- ^ "About Renton Library". King County Library System.
- ^ Stewart, Elizabeth (June 2, 2011). "Renton has long history of supporting libraries in its downtown area". Renton Reporter.
- ^ Gracey, Celeste (January 11, 2010). "Library Annexation Special Report: How the Renton library came to crossroad". Renton Reporter.
- ^ "City of Renton Proposition No. 1". King County Elections.
- ^ "King County Official Final Election Results". King County Elections. p. 1.
- ^ Compton, Tracey (July 13, 2012). "The downtown Renton library's long road to a vote". Renton Reporter.
- ^ Krishnan, Sonia (March 1, 2010). "Group tries to reverse Renton library vote". The Seattle Times. p. C1.
- ^ "Over the River and Through the Books". The Seattle Times. April 14, 1966. p. 29.
- ^ "About Renton Library". King County Library System. Archived from the original on June 25, 2014.
- ^ Bartley, Nancy (August 20, 2013). "Down by the river, a fight over the fate of the Renton Library". The Seattle Times. p. B7.
- ^ Bartley, Nancy (August 23, 2013). "Ruling opens door to replacing Renton's iconic 'bridge' library". The Seattle Times. p. B2.
- ^ "Opening celebration planned for downtown Renton Library". Renton Reporter. July 22, 2015.
- ^ "Downtown library wins architectural award". Renton Reporter. April 14, 2016.
- ^ "2016 AIA/ALA Library Building Award winners announced" (Press release). American Library Association. May 10, 2016.
- ^ "About Renton Highlands Library". King County Library System.
The U.S. state of Washington has a system of public libraries serving its population, including countywide and municipal systems. Libraries may be organized by municipal governments or special-purpose districts, which encompass parts or all of a given county, as well as multiple counties.
- Resources
- Libraries by County (MRSC)
- Library Elections (SOS)
- 2009 Library Directory (SOS)
- State Library publications
History
edit- First libraries: Territorial Library (1853), Steilacoom (1858), University of Washington (1862), Vancouver (1865), Walal Walla (1865)
- Oldest existing local public libraries: Tacoma (1886), Seattle (1890)[1]
- 1890 state law allows for public libraries supported by local taxes
- First county systems: Spokane and Pierce (1938)[2]
- Ruled invalid[3]
- New law passed, new systems approved in 1942/1944
- Clark establishes rural district in September 1942[4]: 29
- RCW for county libraries and ballots: 27.12
- First reciprocal borrowing agreement (1972): King, Pierce, Kitsap, Sno-Isle, Timberland[5]
- 1993: Rural partial-county library district approved by state legislature[6]
Public libraries
editThe Washington State Library identifies 62 public library systems, with 333 total branches, in its 2016 statistical report.[7]: 11 [8]
- Counties without unified systems
- Adams
- Cowlitz
- Kittitas?
- Lincoln
- San Juan
- Skagit
- Wahkiakum
- Multi-county systems
- Fort Vancouver
- Mid-Columbia
- North Central
- Sno-Isle
- Timberland
Former library systems
edit- Renton (annexed in 2010)
- South Puget Regional Library (founded in 1948, replaced by Timberland in 1968)
System | Service area | Founded | Dissolved | Fate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Renton Public Library | Renton | 1903 | 2010 | Merged with King County Library System |
Academic libraries
edit- 36 libraries[8]
Other libraries
edit- 75 special libraries (publicly-funded)[8]
- Example: Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, State Library (Olympia)
- 151 private libraries
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ http://journals.lib.washington.edu/index.php/WHQ/article/viewFile/7056/6093
- ^ https://www.scld.org/about/history/
- ^ https://books.google.com/books?id=nCiBw9U2DycC&pg=PA409&lpg=PA409&dq=Spokane+County+Rural+Library+District+1938&source=bl&ots=wtaCCdGkFx&sig=mFDCAVuNb96Q93vY55DYaPQdKNY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjCn6uuwcLYAhUH0oMKHfuRBOAQ6AEIVjAH#v=onepage&q=Spokane%20County%20Rural%20Library%20District%201938&f=false
- ^ Reynolds, Maryan; Davis, Joel (2002). The Dynamics of Change: A History of the Washington State Library. Pullman, Washington: Washington State University Press. ISBN 9780874222487. OCLC 464873581.
- ^ "5 library systems in cooperative agreement". The Seattle Times. January 5, 1972. p. C2.
- ^ http://laconnerlibraryfoundation.org/about/
- ^ a b c d "2016 Washington Public Library Statistical Report" (PDF). Washington State Library. October 2017.
- ^ a b c http://www.wla.org/assets/FSandIB/final-wa-libraries-fact-sheet.pdf
- ^ 2015 Map of Public Library Service (PDF) (Map). Washington State Library. June 8, 2016.
- ^ http://lmtribune.com/feature/clarkston-asotin-library-consolidated-in-jawbone-flat-gazette/article_e013cdb3-064c-59d1-bed4-31de752d5604.html
- ^ http://www.wla.org/assets/Alki/1999iss2alki.pdf
- ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X0IkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q_cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=579%2C15885850
- ^ http://www.historylink.org/File/8727
Olympia Timberland Library | |
---|---|
General information | |
Type | Library |
Location | Olympia, Washington, US |
Opened | December 10, 1978 |
Affiliation | Timberland Regional Library |
Technical details | |
Floor area | 19,606 square feet (1,821.5 m2) |
Website | |
trl.org |
The Olympia Timberland Library is a branch library of the Timberland Regional Library, serving Olympia, Washington, US.
History
edit- Independent library system started in 1896
- Annexed into South Puget Regional Library in 1948
- Annexed into Timberland in 1968
- Carnegie building opened in 1914 and used until 1978[1]
- New library built in 1978, using $1.5 million bond approved in 1976[2]
- Two failed city levies to replace library[3]
- Renovated in 2000 for $340,000
- Renovated again in 2008
References
edit- ^ http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article26078293.html
- ^ http://www.thurstontalk.com/2014/09/09/olympia-library-history/
- ^ Burnham, Michael (October 14, 2001). "New, bigger library might be in offing". The Olympian. p. C1.
Spokane County Library District | |
---|---|
47°39′31″N 117°14′37″W / 47.65861°N 117.24361°W | |
Location | Spokane County, Washington, US |
Type | Public library |
Established | 1942 |
Branches | 11 |
Collection | |
Size | 479,240 items |
Access and use | |
Circulation | 2.6 million |
Population served | 268,705 |
Members | 111,686 |
Other information | |
Director | Patrick Roewe |
Website | scld |
References: Washington Public Library Statistical Report, 2016[1] |
The Spokane County Library District (SCLD) is a public library system in Spokane County, Washington, US. The system serves most of the county, excluding the cities of Liberty Lake and Spokane, which have their own municipal systems. The library has 11 locations and has an annual circulation of 2.6 million items.
History
editBranches
editReferences
edit- ^ "2016 Washington Public Library Statistical Report" (PDF). Washington State Library. October 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
- ^ https://books.google.com/books?id=nCiBw9U2DycC&pg=PA409&lpg=PA409&dq=Spokane+County+Rural+Library+District+1938&source=bl&ots=wtaCCdGkFx&sig=mFDCAVuNb96Q93vY55DYaPQdKNY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjCn6uuwcLYAhUH0oMKHfuRBOAQ6AEIVjAH#v=onepage&q=Spokane%20County%20Rural%20Library%20District%201938&f=false
- ^ "History". Spokane County Library District. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
Mid-Columbia Libraries | |
---|---|
46°12′18″N 119°07′21″W / 46.20500°N 119.12250°W | |
Location | Tri-Cities region, Washington, U.S. |
Type | Public library |
Established | 1948 |
Service area | Adams, Benton, and Franklin counties |
Branches | 12 |
Collection | |
Size | 371,214 items |
Access and use | |
Circulation | 2.4 million |
Population served | 241,165 |
Members | 164,418 |
Other information | |
Website | midcolumbialibraries |
References: Washington Public Library Statistical Report, 2016[1] |
Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) is a public library system in the U.S. state of Washington, serving Adams, Benton, and Franklin counties. It has twelve branches, bookmobile services, and outreach programs that serve its entire service area, which encompasses much of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. The library system was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Kennewick.
History
editThe first public libraries in the Tri-Cities region were established in the early 20th century as independent systems managed by cities and civic organizations. A private library was started in Kennewick in 1909 and began lending books free of charge in 1914.[2] A Carnegie library serving Prosser was completed on July 22, 1910, and was followed by a Carnegie-funded library in Pasco that opened on June 29, 1911.[3][4] Richland established its first volunteer library in 1945, which was transferred to city control in 1959 after being operated by the Hanford Works for several years.[5]
A regional library system serving the rural areas of Benton and Franklin counties was proposed in the late 1940s after the establishment of successful systems across the state.[6] Rural areas in the two counties voted two-to-one in favor of a property tax levy on November 2, 1948, establishing the library system and its five-member board.[7][8] The Mid-Columbia name was chosen for the system in January 1949, ahead of names honoring Ben Franklin, Sacajawea, and missionary Henry H. Spalding.[9] The Washington State Library contributed $10,000 towards the purchase of a bookmobile, which began service on June 1, 1949.[7][10] Kennewick was chosen as the library's headquarters after agreeing to fold its independent system into the library district.[11]
- Timeline
- 1953: Record lending begins; followed by film lending in 1955[7]
- January 1955: Second bookmobile begins service[7][12]
- 1972: Property tax rollback approved, cutting revenue by 22 percent
- 1974: Growing pains at Kennewick and other buildings[13]
- Service to Walla Walla state prison?
- 1976: Books by mail service begins[14]
- Other libraries
- First libraries: 1910 in Kennewick, 1911 in Pasco, 1945 in Richland
- Carnegie libraries: Prosser (1910); Pasco (June 29, 1911)[15]
- New Pasco library opened in December 1961, later annexed after 1970
- Prosser replaced in November 1972; wine library established in 1978; annexed after 1986[16]
- 1950s: Richland and Pasco libraries are replaced with modernized buildings[17]
- Annexation votes
- c. 1966: Prosser targeted for annexation[18]
- 1986: Independent systems for Prosser, Grandview, and Richland
- 1989: Mesa
- 1990: Benton City (failed), Kennewick (?), Pasco (?)[19]
- Prosser annexed in 2001[20]
Branches
editName | Opened | Built |
---|---|---|
Basin City | 1990 | 1990 |
Benton City | 1974 | 2006 |
Connell | 1965 | 1965 |
Kahlotus | 1989 | 1989 |
Keewaydin Park (Kennewick) | 1964 | 1964 |
Kennewick | 1945 | 1999 |
Merrill's Corner | 1988 | 1988 |
Othello | 1995 | 1995 |
Pasco | 1973 | 1973 |
Prosser | 1973 | 1973 |
West Pasco | 2013 | 2013 |
West Richland | 1996 | 1996 |
References
edit- ^ "2016 Washington Public Library Statistical Report" (PDF). Washington State Library. October 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
- ^ Reed, Mrs. R. E. (February 19, 1950). "Growth of Kennewick Since Origin Has Been Astounding". Tri-City Herald. p. 18.
- ^ "Pasco library building turns 100". Tri-City Herald. June 9, 2011.
- ^ "Old Carnegie Library demolished". Tri-City Herald. June 7, 1974. p. 5.
- ^ Jacobson, Beverly (March 8, 1970). "Three Out Of Four Richlanders Are Card-Carrying Library Users". Tri-City Herald. p. D7.
- ^ "Area Library Advantages Told Club Near Prosser". Tri-City Herald. October 23, 1948. p. 6.
- ^ a b c d "Library Marks 10 Years Of Growth". Tri-City Herald. February 1, 1959. p. 2.
- ^ "Absentees Give Franklin County Levy Safe Lead". Tri-City Hearld. November 15, 1948. p. 1.
- ^ "name Chosen For Bi-County Library". Tri-City Hearld. January 5, 1949. p. 12.
- ^ "Bi-County Library Gets Nice 'Present'". Tri-City Hearld. December 28, 1948. p. 1.
- ^ "Why Kennewick?". Tri-City Herald. March 8, 1970. p. D5.
- ^ "Library Gets Bookmobile No. 2, Returns To Two-Week Service". Tri-City Herald. January 30, 1955. p. 7.
- ^ "Regional library short of money, space". Tri-City Herald. March 10, 1974. p. 49.
- ^ Crowell, Todd (June 9, 1976). "Farmers check out books by mail". Tri-City Herald. p. 2.
- ^ http://historylink.org/File/7465
- ^ Metcalf, Gale (October 27, 1986). "Longtime Prosser librarian celebrates joy of reading". Tri-City Herald. p. B1.
- ^ "Tri-Citians Reading More And More Books, Libraries Of Area Report". Tri-City Herald. March 15, 1959. p. 8.
- ^ Metcalf, Gale (October 1, 1986). "Strong Prosser support keeps library independent, chamber told". Tri-City Herald. p. B6.
- ^ Donley, Jack (November 7, 1990). "Kennewick library plan too close to call". Tri-City Herald. p. A4.
- ^ http://www.washingtonruralheritage.org/cdm/about/collection/prosser